A man in a Pakistan jersey confronts stadium security at Old Trafford during cricket Test.
A video of the just concluded fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford has gone viral where security staff can be seen approaching a spectator wearing a Pakistan cricket jersey and requesting him to cover it.
The video, which rapidly went viral on social media site X (previously Twitter), shows the fan sitting serenely in the stands, in his green Pakistan team jersey. Security guards come towards him and explain that jerseys of non-contending countries are not permitted in the venue. Even after they ask him politely, the fan refuses to comply and continues, "Take me with force."
He also defends himself on the grounds that no onlookers around him looked offended or had protested his dress.
As the exchange attracted attention from surrounding onlookers, some of them began taping the scene. More security guards and local police later responded to the situation. While the atmosphere became strained, the situation was not overtaken by violence, but by a standoff.
The online circulation of the video prompted a frenzy of mixed reactions. Most people on social media condemned the security's overreaction, arguing that the fan has a right to wear any jersey. Some people justified the action, claiming that there were venue regulations for matches played overseas.
As per The Times of India, the Old Trafford also has a policy that mandates spectators to wear apparel favoring the teams playing the game, India and England here.
The scandal comes in the wake of cancellation of a match between India Champions and Pakistan Champions under the World Championship of Legends that was allegedly cancelled because of escalating off-field tensions.
